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Speakers for extremely close listening

I am not sure if this can be called "extreme nearfield listening", but I wonder whether some kind of audio bliss is achievable within an extremely narrow space?? I am talking about listening distance of not more than 3 feet (or around 1 meter) from the speakers.

Of course headphones could be an option, but I would rather not having to wear headphones. Just personal preferences.

The listening spot will be at a corner of a small room, with book shelves lining the walls behind and beside it. The speakers will be quite close to the wall -- one feet or less.

I do not have any amp for the speakers yet, but I plan to use some SS integrated amp and with CD as the only source. Due to many factors tubes are out of question for me.

As this will be a third system for me, I would like to keep the budget to be less than $1500 used. This system will mainly be used to play rock, electronica, and vocal pop, as well as post-rock, alternative rock and even metal music. So bass needs to have good impact and deepness.

The speakers will have to be small monitor size. Floor-standing will not do, because the speakers will be put just beyond my working desk.

I have given it a few thoughts. Perhaps you can see if they make sense:

- with such close distance, would a single driver or co-axial driver unit be much more desirable? My gut feeling says a 2-way co-axial driver like the KEF Uni-Q unit may be the best for any achievable imaging.

- also because of the close distance, I think the sensitivity requirement can be relaxed somewhat. So I am considering quite insensitive speakers too.

- since the speakers will be very close to the wall, I think the bass response could be reinforced. Does it mean that speakers with a low-end frequency rolloff at 80Hz or even 100Hz should be OK?

- I am not sure whether a port-reflex or tight cabinet is better?

I would try to do audition if possible, but I would also like to hear what you think about this. At the moment, Dynaudio, B&W, KEF, ATC, Linn, Sonus Faber are some of the brands I am considering.

Thanks
Patrick
payip

Showing 1 response by tombowlus

tombowlus
416 posts
 
I will second the recommendation for studio near field monitors for your application. Studio equipment and home audio equipment are designed with different goals in mind, to be sure, but from what you describe, your situation sounds more akin to a studio environment than it does to the typical home listening environment. I own a pair of Genelec 1029A's, which I use with my PC-based Pro Tools LE studio, and I am very happy with them. The Mackies are also quite good. My thought are that a pair of Mackies or Genelecs (I am somewhat more fond of the Genelecs), combine with a CD player with a volume control, would be great in your situation. This will also save you the price of an integrated amp.

However, if you go the home audio product route, I would just accept that you are not going to have the best imaging or soundstage in that setup, and pick up something that sounds tonally accurate and pleasing to your ears. I might suggest ProAC Tablette Reference 8's as a great sounding, very compact speaker in your price range. I have a pair of these (Signature series) in my office system, and even though they are close to the rear wall and have bookshelves quite close by one of them, their performance is still quite compelling (of course mine are further apart - 6-7').

Good luck, Tom.
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